Marshall shops for code, club

Date: July 17 2013

Glenn Jackson and Michael Chammas

Benji Marshall's manager talked to three Super Rugby outfits on Tuesday, and confirmed Japan was an option, after notifying Wests Tigers of the five-eighth's desire to leave the club at the end of the year.

Marshall's agent, Martin Tauber, confirmed he had talked to representatives of the NSW Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels and the Auckland Blues on Tuesday, but maintained a decision on the New Zealander's future was weeks away.

Tauber sent release paperwork to Tigers chief operating officer Grant Mayer on Tuesday morning, officially declaring Marshall would reject an upgraded deal for 2013-15 worth about $2 million and was likely to switch codes.

''We've now had an approach from the Waratahs, which we're keen to pursue, and I've also had a further conversation with the chief executive of the Auckland Blues [Andy Dalton], and we're continuing those talks,'' Tauber said.

''But nothing is firm or fixed.''

Tauber also said he talked to Rob Clarke, chief executive of the Rebels. Fairfax Media has been told that Clarke also spoke to ARU boss Bill Pulver.

Despite speculation to the contrary, Marshall's future remains up in the air. He would like to remain in Sydney and spoke to player Israel Folau about the Waratahs and rugby union, but also with Blues coach John Kirwan.

The Rebels might be a real option, having lost Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor, and presumably could offer a more lucrative deal.

The Waratahs are trying to sign Beale and re-sign fellow Wallaby Folau, which would make finding extra money for Marshall difficult. He is likely to top up any deal with the Waratahs with a contract in Japanese rugby next year, which Tauber said was an option. But he was unlikely to be able to finalise a deal in Japan until later this year.

Waratahs boss Jason Allen confirmed interest in the playmaker. ''We are definitely interested in bringing Benji Marshall to the Waratahs,'' he said.

Kirwan confirmed he had spoken to Marshall about a move to Auckland.

This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.